South Africa Children's Hospital Volunteers

From £999, 4 weeks, South Africa

  • Volunteering
  • Adventure 2 out of 5
  • Relaxation 2 out of 5
  • Culture 3 out of 5
South Africa Children's Hospital Volunteers

Trip Highlights

  • Make a real difference to some of South Africa’s poorest communities
  • Brighten the lives of children within a respite care setting
  • Bring fun and excitement to children with long term medical conditions
  • Explore Cape Town and the surrounds in your free time
  • Meet lots of other volunteers in the one shared house

Trip Summary

See full itinerary

What's included?

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Accommodation
  • In-country orientation
  • Worthwhile volunteer project
  • Local in-country team support
  • 24hr emergency contact in the UK

What's not included?

  • Flights
  • Travel Insurance
  • Visas
  • Return airport transfer
  • Food

You will be Volunteering in South Africa, spending time enriching the lives of patients in a hospital dedicated to sick and injured young children.  Although the children in the hospital have experienced some terrible situations, by working within a team, your role is to bring fun, excitement and enjoyment to the wards.

 

Have fun playing games, singing songs and reading stories. You may also be able offer bedside attention to some of the children, enabling parents to take a much needed break.


When do I want to go?

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Dates of Departures Duration Price (Land Only) Trip Status
Mon, 20 Feb 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Feb 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Mar 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Mar 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Apr 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Apr 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 7 May 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 21 May 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 4 Jun 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 18 Jun 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 2 Jul 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 16 Jul 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 6 Aug 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 20 Aug 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 3 Sep 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 17 Sep 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 1 Oct 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 15 Oct 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 5 Nov 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 20124 weeks£999AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 20125 weeks£1,099AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 20126 weeks£1,199AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 20127 weeks£1,299AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 20128 weeks£1,349AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 20129 weeks£1,399AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 201210 weeks£1,449AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 201211 weeks£1,499AvailableBook now
Mon, 19 Nov 201212 weeks£1,549AvailableBook now

What will I be doing?

  • Welcome to Cape Town! (Days 1 - 2)

  • Volunteer Role (Days 3 - 5)

  • Weekends! (Saturdays and Sundays)

  • Following weeks (Dependent of length of stay)

Welcome to Cape Town!: Days 1 - 2

Next Leg

Destination info

South Africa has it all - from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. 

Cape Town has also long been a favourite spot for tourists. South Africa’s biggest city is overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.  There is also a wide variety of activities to do which include spotting penguins, going to Robben Island and climbing Table Mountain.  But if the tourist traps are not for you, then take time out on some on the best beaches in the world. 
 
You will be staying in the seaside town of Fish Hoek, a short walk from the beautiful Fish Hoek beach and about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town.
 
The project itself is based in Rondebosch, a suburb southeast of Cape Town. To get to the project you will need to take a 5 minute taxi ride from the volunteer house one-hour train journey and a 15-minute taxi ride to the hospital.
  • Location: Fish Hoek, Cape Town

Day 1

You will be met at the airport and taken to the volunteer house in Fish Hoek which will take about 45 minutes. You will then have your orientation that will take you through what it’s going to be like at your project - dos and don’ts, how to stay safe etc. This is your prime opportunity to ask any remaining questions that you may still have. After the orientation you’ll have an evening meal and some time to relax and prepare before your first day at the project (Day 2).
 
Day 2
Today our South Africa team will take you to the project so that you can get to meet the children and staff. Our team will be with you all the way to the project, making sure that you know where you are going and what you are doing. Once you arrive at the project you will be introduced to what day to what the project is like day-to-day and what they are hoping from you during your time there. You will get time with the staff to put together your timetable for the rest of your time. Now is the time to let the team know if you have a particular interest or skill you would like to share with the children.

Volunteer Role: Days 3 - 5

Next Leg

Destination info

South Africa has it all - from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. 

Cape Town has also long been a favourite spot for tourists. South Africa’s biggest city is overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.  There is also a wide variety of activities to do which include spotting penguins, going to Robben Island and climbing Table Mountain.  But if the tourist traps are not for you, then take time out on some on the best beaches in the world. 
 
You will be staying in the seaside town of Fish Hoek, a short walk from the beautiful Fish Hoek beach and about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town.
 
The project itself is based in Rondebosch, a suburb southeast of Cape Town. To get to the project you will need to take a 5 minute taxi ride from the volunteer house one-hour train journey and a 15-minute taxi ride to the hospital.
  • Location: Rondebosch, Cape Town

Days 3-5

Your third day will be the first time that you can try to get into your new routine at your project, getting to know the staff and the amazing children and learn to work in your comfort zone. Over the days and weeks you will have plenty of time to build bonds with others - so don’t rush things, just enjoy everything about the South African pace and way of life.
 
Your typical working hours on this project will be from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 3:00pm. 
 
Please keep in mind, any extra time you can give to the project will be really appreciated - there’s always someone to share a smile with!

Weekends!: Saturdays and Sundays

Next Leg

Destination info

 

South Africa has it all - from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. 
 
Cape Town has also long been a favourite spot for tourists. South Africa’s biggest city is overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.  There is also a wide variety of activities to do which include spotting penguins, going to Robben Island and climbing Table Mountain.  But if the tourist traps are not for you, then take time out on some on the best beaches in the world. 
 
You will be staying in the seaside town of Fish Hoek, a short walk from the beautiful Fish Hoek beach and about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town
 
The project itself is based in Rondebosch, a suburb southeast of Cape Town. To get to the project you will need to take a 5 minute taxi ride from the volunteer house one-hour train journey and a 15-minute taxi ride to the hospital.

 

  • Location: Cape Town

The weekends are your free time to chill and/or explore – it’s up to you. There are so many things to see and do in Cape Town and the surrounding area that we are sure you’ll struggle to get bored!  Take a train straight into Cape Town from Fish Hoek (that takes about an hour) and you’re close to Boulders Beach where you can see the penguins hanging out. There’s also the stunning sights that are Table Mountain, Cape Point, Robben Island - all of which you can see without leaving the city! You could also catch a cab to the local shopping mall to watch a movie, or frequent the coffee shops, clothes shops and internet cafes! If however you simply want to relax, why not take in the sun and relax at the swimming pool with a fellow volunteer back at the accommodation?

Following weeks: Dependent of length of stay

Destination info

 

South Africa has it all - from the picturesque beaches for ultimate relaxation, to bustling metropolises for some shopping and partying, to the safaris and wilderness that have made this continent so popular. 
 
Cape Town has also long been a favourite spot for tourists. South Africa’s biggest city is overlooked by Table Mountain, its reputation for being a fun and beautiful city is something that is certified by most people who visit.  
There is also a wide variety of activities to do which include spotting penguins, going to Robben Island and climbing Table Mountain.  But if the tourist traps are not for you, then take time out on some on the best beaches in the world. 
 
You will be staying in the seaside town of Fish Hoek, a short walk from the beautiful Fish Hoek beach and about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town.
 
The project itself is based in Rondebosch, a suburb southeast of Cape Town. To get to the project you will need to take a 5 minute taxi ride from the volunteer house one-hour train journey and a 15-minute taxi ride to the hospital.
  • Location: Fish Hoek, Rondebosch, Cape Town

 

During your time on the programme you will be volunteering Monday to Friday at your project. Now that you have had a chance to fully immerse yourself in the daily duties at the hospital you will be looking after the children and trying to make their time at the hospital a happier one.
 
For the weeks that follow you will be helping at the project four days a week with three days (Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday) free to do what you fancy! Please speak to the local team in Cape Town as they will be able to recommend companies to use for excursions.
 
Your last day 
Once you have said goodbye to all your new friends and packed away any last minute souvenirs you’ll travel back to the airport. The cost of your return transfer from Fish Hoek to Cape Town International Airport is not included within your project fee, but our regular transfer company will be able to arrange the journey back for you for roughly US$40 / 300 Rand and is easily arranged in country.

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Additional Information & FAQs

Minimum age

Minimum age 18, maximum decided on potential participants health.

 

Accommodation

During your time in Cape Town you'll be staying in our lovely volunteer house in the small seaside town of Fish Hoek. The house has 4 bathrooms that include western style toilets and hot water. Bedrooms in the house are dormitory style with up to 8 volunteers sharing a room. There are also a number of communal areas including a comfortable lounge with sofas, table where you can eat your meals and a lovely balcony and garden area with BBQ! While in the house you will be responsible for keeping the place clean so please tidy up after yourself, especially in the kitchen.

 

There are lockers in the accommodation where you will be able to store valuable but you will need to bring your own padlock and keys. Additionally you will need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow case, towels as these are not provided. You should also make sure you bring warm clothes with you, particularly if you are travelling during the South African winter months, when it can get particularly cold.There isn't a washing machine at the house but there is a laundry close by where you can get your clothes cleaned at your own cost.

 

A Supermarket, shops, internet cafe, laundry and bank are all close to the volunteer house so you’ll be able to shop either in your lunch-break or after your days volunteering.
 

 

Meals

Your time in Cape Town is on a self-catering basis (apart from the evening meal on the first night). There is a kitchen complete with cookers, loads of fridge space, microwave, toaster and other kitchen utensils you can use to cook tasty meals to enjoy in the large dining area. However if you are feeling a little lazy why not order takeaway instead!

 

We recommend that you budget around R600 (South African Rand) per week for groceries, as prices are similar to home. However if you choose to eat out or buy takeaways regularly, this will be more expensive and you will need to budget accordingly.

 

Programme requirements
Please note that you must have a clear CRB check in order to participate on this programme. A copy of the check must be given to the project coordinators before you begin your programme.

 

 

Advice & Safety

Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.

 

You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.

 

In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.

 

 

FAQ

1. Where will I be living during my time on this programme?

You will be staying in the seaside town of Fish Hoek, a short walk from the beautiful Fish Hoek beach and about a 45 minute drive from Cape Town.

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2. What hours will I be working on this project?

Your typical working hours on this project will be from Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 12.30pm and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2-4pm.

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3. Do I need to have previous hospital experience to participate on this project?

You don't need to have any previous experience. You just need to be enthusiastic and patient as you will be assisting in the areas of play therapy, on the wards and helping in the fundraising shop.

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4. What can I do in my freetime?

Your weekends will be all your own to relax or explore! You will be able to organise trips such as shark cage diving, table mountain visit or wine tours of if you prefer!

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